PARIS — France on Wednesday stepped up financial support for wine growers faced with a deep drop in demand after lockdowns closed restaurants and bars and U.S. tariffs curbed exports. "The state will increase to 250 million euros its support plan to wine growing and we will request this aid to be distributed as quickly as possible because cash needs are pressing," French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Wednesday. Castex made the announcement during a visit to the Menetou-Salon and Sancerre vineyards in the Loire region. "The international situation, the health crisis, a drop in exports: our wine sector faces major difficulties. State support must continue and intensify," Castex said on Twitter earlier.

Source: International New York Times August 05, 2020 12:19 UTC